"It is suspected that the damage was done by mindless and inconsiderate idiots," the golf club's greens convenor Mitch Good told Press & Journal.

"This is not the first time this has happened, as the same green was severely damaged last year in June.

"What is remarkable is that the people that have done this are supposed to be in lockdown.

"They are obviously not following the government rules on social distancing and have no respect to the local community, golf club or its members – and especially the golf course."

Sergeant Niall Mullen, from Peterhead police office, said: "We can confirm that officers have received a report of vandalism to Oldmeldrum Golf Course, which is believed to have taken place overnight between Thursday and Friday.

"Inquiries are at an early stage and anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting incident 1045 of 27 March."

The historic Oldmeldrum Golf Club is a par-70 course and is relatively short by today's standards at 6,100 yards. It features a variety of risk-reward holes and has plenty of water to keep players on their guard.